<p>If your EFC is $19k, then that suggests an income too high to qualify for free grants from a UC. The timing of filing your FAFSA doesn’t make a difference when your EFC is too high for free aid. </p>
<p>UCs don’t give free need-based grants to those with highish EFCs. </p>
<p>The school expects your parents to pay $19k (at least), and they expect you to borrow $5500, and maybe do some work-study and maybe work a summer job. </p>
<p>Your friends who got grants got them because their EFCs were lower. </p>
<p>How much will your parents pay each year?</p>